Raiders steal the spoils again
Matlock’s England International Harry Holmes and Dark Peak runner Mark Jones took first and second places in the Annual Devil’s Chair Dawdle or Dash over the Stiperstones. The event, one of the best attended fell races in Shropshire saw over 200 hopefuls tackling the severe underfoot conditions along the rocky ridge to the Devil’s Chair.
Local talent was well to the fore with Mercian junior Adam Bentham finishing 3rd and team mate Sara Willholt taking fourth and shaving nearly a minute off her own women’s record.
The race had been in doubt after storm Ciaran had washed away much of the track, but Natural England swiftly repaired the damage and many runners took advantage of the better conditions to record fast times.
Third lady Amelia Williams improved her local record, junior Charlie Stuart from Mercia became the first in his age group to break the thirty minute barrier, firefighter Rob Evason trimmed an impressive 3 minutes off his previous time to take the men’s over 50’s prize, while Mercia’s Sue Howarth set a new women’s over 60 record.
Other fine performances included Charlie’s sister Chloe finishing second lady, and showing he is still no slouch Dad James came in close behind team mate Dave Saunders as second vet completing 5 top ten finishers for our local club. Another Mercian stalwart Ed Davies returned after a few year’s absence to add to his tally of trophies in the over 60s, while Carol France, Dolly Mixture Fiona Williams Mercian Jill Leventon and Paul Simon were all veteran trophy winners.
Jill and her husband have been supporting our event for over 40 years and there is another great gallery of Charlie’s photos for 2023.
Sadly instigator of this classic event John Sproson has spent the week in hospital but hopes to be home fit and well soon.
Thanks to our great team of helpers: Lara, Phil and Chris from the Stiperstones Inn, Shropshire Mine’s Trust for marshalling the summit and a squadron of local volunteers keeping everyone fed and watered.
Over £1200 has already been raised for the Severn Hospice and Lingen Davies charities.
Oh and thanks to the weather gods who found us a sunny window amongst the December storms.